Europa Way improvement programme progresses

Works on the initial road schemes that form the first strand of a major programme of highway and sustainable transport improvements to Europa Way between the M40 and Leamington Spa are progressing well and are on schedule.

The scheme located between Olympus Avenue and the Shires Retail Park roundabout to construct a new signalised junction which will provide access to the Myton Green development, along with widening approximately 450 metres of Europa Way, is expected to be completed in September 2019.The scheme to the south of the Gallows Hill roundabout at Warwick Gateway, which is being developed by Gallagher Estates, involves the construction of a signalised junction and widening of approximately 400 metres of Europa Way, and is expected to be completed in June 2019.

The new junction will provide access into the developments on either side of Europa Way.

Both schemes are being funded by the developers of the adjacent housing sites, but are being delivered by Warwickshire County Council. The Europa Way programme includes a £3.6 million contribution from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The County Council is working closely with the developers to minimise the traffic disruption associated with the construction of the schemes and the developments, however traffic management will be required at times.

A weekend closure of Europa Way between the Greys Mallory roundabout and the Gallows Hill / Harbury Lane roundabout is planned for the first weekend of November to carry out road crossings for the utility services.

The road will be closed from 8.00am on Saturday 3rd November and is expected to reopen by 6.00am on Monday 5th November. A suggested traffic diversion route will be in place. A weekend road closure of Gallows Hill to divert utility services took place in September with the work being completed on time.

Further information on the programme is available at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/europaway. The website will be updated regularly with information on the programme and road works.

Cllr Jeff Clarke, Warwickshire County Council portfolio holder for Transport and Planning, said: “The works on Europa Way have got off to a good start and whilst there will inevitably be some travel disruption during construction we are working hard to keep this to an absolute minimum.

“This area is key to Warwickshire’s economy and it needs a robust transport infrastructure if we are to attract and retain businesses and the employment they bring. The transport improvements around Europa Way will benefit both residents and businesses by reducing congestion and journey times, while the sustainable travel improvements will give people a greater range of travel options.”

Gregg Wilkinson, managing director of property development and investment company Gallagher Estates, said: “We are playing a vital role in creating a new community for Warwick, not just through the delivery of much-needed homes.

“We have shown our commitment by investing in a new primary school, open spaces and community facilities as well as this next stage which is highways and infrastructure to ensure future sustainable growth.”

Martin Yardley, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Businesses and residents will benefit once the programme of work is completed which, in turn, will boost the local economy and encourage growth. Reducing travelling times will benefit the area and region as a whole since this is one of the important gateways into Leamington and Warwick.”

Europa Way provides a key route between the M40 and Leamington Spa and Warwick and regularly experiences heavy congestion, particularly at peak times. House building and employment growth along Europa Way and the wider south Warwick and Leamington Spa area is putting even more pressure on the transport network in this area.

During the works, motorists may want to consider changing their travel patterns to avoid delays to their journey.

This could include changing travel times, taking alternative routes, using a different form of travel or even car sharing. Advice and information on alternative travel options is available at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/activetravel.